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Last night, MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell covered the story, including Anthony’s sit-down on a park bench with Louis and the letter Louis wrote for Courage Campaign:

Key quote from O’Donnell:

This is video posted on YouTube from last summer by one of the Courage Campaign’s groups. It shows Louis Marinelli sitting on a bench when someone from the Courage Campaign approached.

This is one of the moments that began to change the mind of conservative Republican Louis Marinelli about the fight he was fighting before he ultimately changed sides.

Like I wrote on Tuesday, contributions on behalf of Louis go to this successful model — story-telling and making LGBT people visible so others can see how they are affected. Louis wrote that contributions to Courage Campaign would go towards changing hearts and minds. We talked to MSNBC about the story, we put him in touch with Anthony, we got them videos from the tour, which they played on air, and a copy of the letter, which they showed on air, and told them why it was so important.

Well, a lot of people who are unsure about same-sex marriage might have watched last night. In fact, I know a few myself back home. This might help change a few more minds… and open the minds of others. In other words, we’re putting your contributions to work.

This is how we’re going to move America together. This is Courage. Proud to be here with you.

One person educated at a time. Beautiful piece. So glad it made it to national news.

9. Gregory in Salt Lake | April 14, 2011 at 1:18 am

Hi LLB! : D

10. Ed | April 14, 2011 at 1:32 am

HELLO??? DAMAGE CONTROL, PLEASE REPORT DIRECTLY TO NOM'S CENTRAL HQ….

11. adambink | April 14, 2011 at 1:32 am

Thanks Linda!

12. Ed | April 14, 2011 at 1:34 am

sorry about the caps….but thats *got* to be how they are feeling right now. On a diff note, over at their blog, they are (again) posting some stuff that has nothing to do with marriage…..and no mention of the msnbc story either….

“So much bizarre misinforma­tion. I spent my childhood playing with toy guns, but my parents were sure I was gay when I was a teen, because I listened only to Broadway shows and had zero interest in sports. Neverthele­ss, I have been a raging heterosexu­al all my life, despite the fact that in my twenties I wondered if I could get laid more by being gay. Just couldn't cross over, not even in my fantasy life. You are what you are, anywhere on the continuum. It ain't about toenail polish.”

I watched Alonzo Bodden's comedy special last night, "who's paying attention" and of course he touched on marriage equality – wasn't necessarily for it, or against, but the best was his point about "sweaty man ass" and no matter what, he'd never be tempted (kinda in the context of all the "scary" things that would happen – like teaching kids in school was ok).

Mirrors what Alan E has to say – you are or you aren't.

Great news that MSNBC covered this story, but can we get it on FOX? Despite the spin they'd put on it, it's worth a try right?

You can hear about how hard it was for Anthony Ash to talk to Louis Marinelli when Louis invites him to sit down with him to have a conversation. As much as LGBT people have been hurt by conservative fundamentalists, this is the kind of courage all Americans need to muster to win America back.

This is so awesome! You guys do such amazing, courageous work. This has really inspired me to make a donation to keep changing hearts. I can't afford much right now (can't work due to intense, yet still very expensive nursing program I'm in right now and money is dwindling quickly) but I can make a small donation. This is such inspiring stuff! Keep up the good work! <3

26. adambink | April 14, 2011 at 12:26 pm

Thanks Jenny. Even small donations, of which we get a lot, combine to make things happen. Thank you for digging deep. I assure you we are putting it to good use. I did some calculating and because of such small overhead, nearly all of every dollar goes towards our work.